General Hospital

GH’s Genie Francis Addresses Laura’s Controversial Storyline From the Past

By Michael Fairman

Published

4 years ago

January 12, 2023

Michael

Photo: ABC

During ABC’s Winter Press Tour for the Television Critics Association (TCA) in Pasadena, California, several of the stars of General Hospital along with head writers, Chris Van Etten and Dan O’Connor and series executive producer, Frank Valentini, took part in a panel discussion as part of the GH’s upcoming 60th anniversary milestone celebration.

Throughout the panel, the cast and creatives fielded questions from the press. At one point, Genie Francis (Laura) was asked about GH’s representation of social issues over the decades, and about the controversial rape of Laura by Luke (Tony Geary) back in 1979.

Photo: ABC

As GH viewers know, Luke, who believed he was going to be killed by mobster Frank Smith, and had fallen for Laura, danced with with her at the Campus Disco to Herb Alpert’s Rise. Luke, eventually forced himself on Laura and raped her. However, later GH wrote the enduring love story of Luke and Laura, and the event was left murky in the storytelling including at one point having it called a “seduction”.

Francis addressed the issue head on telling reporters: “You mentioned the date-rape issue. I had a feeling I was going to be asked about that. You know, as a young kid at 17, I was told to play rape, and I played it. I didn’t even know what it was. But, at 17, you follow the rules, and you do as you are told, and you aim to please. At 60, I don’t feel the need to defend that anymore, you know. I think that the story was inappropriate, and I don’t condone it. And it’s been a burden that I’ve had to carry to try to justify that story, and so I’m not doing that anymore. I think, when a woman says ‘No,’ that she should be listened to, and if you replay that scene, you don’t have Laura just saying ‘No.’ You have her screaming ‘No.”

As to the current writing and portrayal of Laura Collins, the Daytime Emmy-winning TV icon shared: “I feel very, very fortunate to have this new reinvented Laura. I love who she is in the present day. She was such a victim as a young woman, and to see it flip around and have her be fully empowered, this powerful woman who is the mayor of the town. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. She’s a strong woman. She’s a good role model for other women. But I love my Laura today. I loved my Laura then too, but this is where it needed to go.”

What do you think about Genie’s response to the long-standing controversial rape storyline? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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13 Comments

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Kay

3 years ago

Well Genie I agree we are still doing it Y&R writing a love story between rapist Chelsea and Her victim Billy. The worst part is Jason Thompson trying to defend it. But Y&R stinks so bad no way that show recovering NONE.

Violet Lemm

Reply to Kay

3 years ago

Kay
That was so long ago, I don’t know if we actually saw that happen, but Billy had to have participated or no Johnny.
Remembering many years ago Tricia Dennison, a real loony tunes drugged Victor with Roofies and Viagra and raped him and she set it up claiming he raped and assaulted her, but with the Newman luck he got himself cleared but that was a good story, I wonder how many fans remember that SL?

Kat

Reply to Kay

3 years ago

DOOL did it with Sami/EJ and turned them into a supercouple, a la Luke/Laura. It was disgusting. EJ raped her, and she fell in love with him. WTH? Outside of that relationship, I actually do like EJ. The whole EJ/Abby affair when James Scott and Kate Mansa were playing the roles was so soapy and hot. What a missed opportunity not letting it really go anywhere. It’s just the EJ/Sami relationship that is problematic. He RAPED her. That shouldn’t have been glorified or romanticized and turned into a supercouple, just because they were both attractive. I will never forgive DOOL for having Sami fall in love with her rapist. It’s like soaps haven’t learned ANYTHING since Luke/Laura. I am SO glad Genie is speaking out.

Llanviewer717

3 years ago

Amen Genie Francis.

Dan

3 years ago

Is there video of this panel anywhere?

I loved Genie’s answer about the rape. It’s disgusting that a 17 year old was made to play a rape scene by the people running the show at the time. I’m not even sure how something like that was allowed to happen. Thank god we’ve evolved as a people since then.

I bet Genie is beyond tired of having to answer questions about this after all these years. It’s like that moment is the only thing that has ever happened to her character in 43 years. Hopefully everyone can move on.

Michael (not Fairman)

Reply to Dan

3 years ago

And bravissima to Genie for being unwilling to play along, any longer, with the rewrite. I saw the original scene, and I remember it exactly as Genie does–and yet over the years I’ve begun to feel gaslighted because of the insistence that I didn’t see what I know I saw. I really appreciate Genie’s validation of that.

And like her, I’m really pleased at who Laura has become. And grateful–because whenever they give her the material, GF really delivers. She is a force of nature. I’m sure she always was, but as she sort of said, most of her early storylines were about Laura as victim. This version is a lot more interesting.

As for why she was made to play that scene four decades ago–well, Gloria Monty. I remember Marland said in an interview that he had objected (strenuously) to the storyline, and that’s part of the reason he was fired. Monty really wanted it, so that’s the story that was written–but somebody above her should have put a stop to it. The whole incident does speak volumes about attitudes toward rape and how they’ve changed since 1979. I can’t recall a single soul, at the time, expressing any reservations at all about ABC’s having foisted a rape storyline on a 17-year-old actress. (Maybe the reservations were there, but they were never aired publicly, if so.) Other reservations were expressed, but they were very muted, because the ratings continued to go up. I do remind myself, when I think about it, that in 1979, spousal rape had only been a thing for a few years (I don’t remember exactly when the marital rape laws were enacted, but it hadn’t been that long before), so it’s not surprising in that context that there could still be questions about whether rape was rape. Still, an appalling episode in our country’s warped history regarding sex and power, and I think the fact that we still have to talk about it NOW speaks volumes about all the things we should have said about it, as a cultural phenomenon, in 1979 (and since) and didn’t. (And I’ll just add, from roughly the same age perspective as Genie’s–I was 19 when the rape scenes aired and am 62 now–I’m utterly aghast, in retrospect, at what an appalling, confusing message the whole thing sent to the young men and women of the time. Ugh.)

rose

Reply to Michael (not Fairman)

3 years ago

Michael (not Fairman)…some like you may remember, but another example of an over-the-top sex scene was between Carly and Sonny when they first got together. Not needed either, or conveniently forgotten.

Dan

Reply to Michael (not Fairman)

3 years ago

Thanks for the reply and the context, Michael (not Fairman). You go back much longer than me as a viewer, so I appreciate the insight!

I remember seeing the rape scene for the first time years later, and just how dirty and disgusting it made me feel. The disco lights flashing, Herb Alpert’s song “Rise” playing in the background, the way Laura screamed “NO!” Just hideous, hideous stuff.

I’ve always heard such good things about Gloria Monty as an executive producer and about how she saved the show. But to know that she was the one responsible for pushing that storyline, it honestly makes me think a lot less of her as a person. As well as the powers that be at ABC at the time for allowing it to happen.

Nancy Foster

Reply to Michael (not Fairman)

3 years ago

I watched G H until that scene then stopped. I agree with Gene’s statement. Todays climate would not allow that scene to be shot. Our judgment was different back then. I admire her as a women and Actor.

The Other Lis

3 years ago

How many prople remember that prior to the rape 16 year old Laura was seduced by her stepfathers 40 + year old best friend and that she later murdered him when she found out he only slept with her to get revenge on her stepfather. Laura was in therapy for the murder when she was raped by Luke another age inappropriate male. Very toxic time with storylines that would never play out today. Imagine teenage Genie Francis in high school having to play these scenes. I recall the late John Berandino the patriarch of the show as one of the few denouncing the Luke and Laura rape storyline at the time but he was sort of run over by the Luke and Laura hype.

Kit

3 years ago

As I recall, GH revisited that story line in recent years and actually showed Luke and Laura having an adult discussion about it and Luke admitting he was wrong and had raped her.

Iakovos

3 years ago

I remember the storyline and even then as a young man questioned the reformed rapist turn, a trope still employed. I applaud redemption in characters but this approach still bothers me. The lens of today really puts it a more negative light. I am thrilled Ms Francis and Laura Collins remain on canvas I meaningful ways. I always wanted Laura to be forefront, a pillar. The series has shifted with so many new characters, what legacy we have needs to be cherished.

Fginaspy

3 years ago

It was the storyline that made me decide not to watch GH until GL, ATWT and OLTL were taken off the air. I thought the Luke and Laura hype was not warranted. I was a Laura and Scotty fan. I still am. The Christmas 2022 scenes between them and Eliabeth showed such history between the two characters and actors too.

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob

Published

9 hours ago

August 3, 2026

Michael

This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”

Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.

Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.

Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.

Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.

Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.

Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

General Hospital

‘General Hospital’ Fan Club Weekend 2026 (Photos)

Published

19 hours ago

August 2, 2026

Michael

General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.

Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).

In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.

Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:

Photo: HutchinsPhoroi

GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com

Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!

Photo: HutchinsPhoto

One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.

Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.

Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.

So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.

General Hospital

Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2026

Michael

Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.

The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.

PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL

Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)

According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”

Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.

Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.

In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.

Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.

Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.